The price of the Brazilian high-grade iron ore, 65 percent iron contents, is now $111/mt against $114/mt on May 14, CFR China.
Analysts attribute the decline to disappointing economic data from China and uncertain short-term demand for iron ore from the country. However, the fundamentals of the iron ore market continue to support the price with no significant decline anticipated.
The export price of blast furnace grade pellets is now $125/mt against $127/mt previously, CFR China, reflecting the same premium ascribed to the product in relation to the equivalent sinter feed fines.
The premium of the Brazilian high-grade ore, in relation to the Australian 62 percent iron ore, when considering their iron units, is now 6.0 percent, against 5.9 percent previously, reflecting the interest, at such price level, by the integrated steel producers for the higher productivity and lower emissions of the premium ores when processed in blast furnaces.
In the Brazilian domestic market, the reference prices are now $90/mt for the ore and $103/mt for the pellets against respectively $92/mt and $106/mt previously, ex-works, no taxes included.